BAMPTON.

A 16th century inn with plenty of character on a roundabout, this beautiful pub is set in picturesque countryside just outside of Tiverton some 7 miles from Tiverton on the A396. Though it's on a roundabout, it is still quite peaceful to be inside, though it can get busy at lunchtimes in the holiday season, this might be due to its narrowness. It also has a children's/family eating area at the far end of the pub behind a chimney breast which has toys as well. This can make the small bar quite noisy at times. There are two entrances, but the second one from the car park takes you right into the bar which faces you (the second takes you into the corridor by the toilets and the restaurant which has about 50 covers). The bar is a small dark wood affair with stools - which incidentally block access to getting served. The small wooden bar is most attractive as it has few hand pumps on it. All the beers are served directly from the barrel behind the bar. Each one sits in a jacket to keep it cool and so there are no sparklers. There is some seating here, but the narrow nature of the pub means that this goes quite quickly. Walk through to the small bar and there are some more tables here, but it is close to the family area. This also doubles up as a servery area on the bar. There is a large double sided open fireplace here with old objects from the local area in the nooks and crannies. Seating in both bar areas is the same with basic tables and chairs. Access for the disabled is not really possible as manoeuvring space is limited. The beers, all from local sources were well served and tasted in top condition. Food is served all day from 12, and is traditional with some touches of flair - curry to trout with prices ranging from £5 to £10. There is even a vegetarian section with some good choices other than lasagne. The menu states that the food is all homemade and to order, so service is not quick. However, the quality of the food is good and the service proficient. In the small bar there is a blackboard with the specials on it. As a change from lunchtimes, there is a menu change at 5pm to the evening menu, which has more choice on it. During the evening they open the restaurant which also has a bar, but no real ale - they fetch it for you though. Prices for food are OK, though you do pay country pub prices. The restaurant also doubles up as a venue for parties and weddings and they boast facilities for conferences and meetings. Above the pub are a number of en-suite rooms which are tastefully decorated, the AA has given it 2 stars; special break deals are available. For the summer there is a beer garden at the front with picnic benches and brollies, where you can sit and look at the ivy growing back over the pub. Worth a stop if in the area, even if you just want a cream tea with real Devon cream.